Ammonium Alginate
Also known as: E403
Ammonium alginate (E403) is derived from natural brown seaweed and is approved as a food additive in the EU and US. EFSA reviewed alginates in 2017 and concluded no safety concern at reported use levels for the general population.
What it is
Ammonium alginate, the ammonium salt of alginic acid extracted from brown seaweed.
Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent.
Why it's flagged
- Generally well-tolerated
- May reduce mineral absorption at very high intakes
What regulators actually say
"The food additive ammonium alginate may be safely used in food in accordance with the following prescribed conditions."
"The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern at the refined exposure assessment of alginic acid and its salts (E 400-E 404) as food additives."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Approved as food additive (21 CFR 172.820)
European Union — EFSA
Approved E403; ADI 'not specified' for alginates
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